Human-Centered Workplace

MKDA designed the new 45,000 square-foot headquarters in response to the relocation of Friedman LLP, a high-profile global accounting firm, from three floors of traditional corporate space at 1700 Broadway to one whole floor. From our very first meeting, they expressed a strong desire to transform their office culture into a comfortable environment centered around collaboration, increased productivity and flexibility. As a result, our team worked hand-in-hand with Friedman to create a new human-centered workplace that offers efficiencies, experiences and innovations that enhance employee well-being, brand expression and corporate culture. 

Putting the personal and professional well-being of its employees at the forefront during the design process was paramount to the design. The strong vision the firm held for its new space included employee-centric features more in line with tech companies than accounting firms, featuring open areas, bright-colors, breakout rooms and state-of-the-art technologies.

Blurring the Lines Between Work and Home

MKDA delivered a balanced program for the forward-thinking accounting firm, with 75 glass front perimeter and interior offices for partners and senior accountants, benching and various experiential collaborative spaces that blur the line between home and work. The environment's backbone is a "living" corridor of collaborative spaces that runs through the center core and includes a kitchen, library, den, workroom, living room and community hub with a 1,800 square-foot cafe. The cafe was fitted with hospitality-level high top tables and bistro banquettes; the community hub with bleachers and an oversized monitor for events. These elements appeal to the natural human desire to engage and connect with one another, which constructs a welcoming and professional atmosphere that is simultaneously energizing and fun.

To create a neutral backdrop throughout the work environment, MKDA retained unfinished industrial elements such as concrete floors, exposed ceilings, concrete block walls and exposed ductwork. The post modern industrial chic decor features bold colors and an eclectic blend of details, including mosaic ceramic tiles, custom ivy light fixtures, vivid wall graphics and geometric- patterned flooring. In reception, for example, a sculptured teal reception desk, electric red chairs and a bright blue signage pop against the background.

Impact

“We interviewed several firms and saw clearly that MKDA would be able to understand and execute our vision. We knew the firm would educate us through the process and provide a functional space that would meet our specifications and design requirements rather than its own. The results speak for themselves.” - Harriet Greenberg and Frederick R. Berk, Co-Managing Partners